The Shopping

If
you have an opportunity to shop where you chose, India is the
headquarters for Indian Bridal Fashion and has amazing designs,
designers, selection, tailors, quality, etc. Shopping in India allows
you to see many more options and chose the best fit for your taste and
budget. Based on recent conversations with brides prices in Bombay are
the most expensive, with better bang per buck in Delhi and other cities
like Ahmedabad. Indian outfits are becoming more and more available outside of India as well. In the USA and Canada certain cities have Indian parts of town where you can shop for Indian items. If you are shopping in North America you can consider going to Edison, NJ; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Toronto, Canada; and perhaps a few other cities. Another option is to work with a local designer; this option requires several on site visits with the designer to confirm styles, measurements, trial fittings, etc., so if you go with this option it works best if you are in the same city as your designer.

Many brides also work on acquiring outfits for their family, bridal party, and relatives. In this situation, it is important to have the measurements of the recipient. Ask for measurements early, I would suggest that shortly after discussing the wedding and this person’s involvement in the wedding, request the measurements. Click here for List of Women's Measurements.When choosing outfits for others it is important to think about:

What the recipient will expect…often Indian relatives are given a sari for the lady of the house

What will be flattering to his/her figure…if you are selecting a shorter man’s outfit, be sure that the length is appropriate and not too long

Comfort level in wearing the outfit…if you are buying bridesmaids outfits and several of your bridesmaids are not accustomed to wearing saris and exposing their midriff, it would probably be well appreciated if they were given lenghas with long blouses instead

An appropriate amount to spend on the recipient…this depends on the relationship, expectation, and of course, the budget